Spread Spectrum Radio Control Link for Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio controlled devices face issues such as limited operational range, interference from noisy motors and other radio signals, multipath fading, and intersymbol interference, which can lead to loss of control and potential damage to the devices.

Innovation Solution

A system employing spread spectrum modulation for a secure digital radio frequency link between a controller and a radio controlled device, with error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology, and force-feedback telemetry to enhance control and prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional frequency assignment with crystals is used, then interference between devices is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase due to frequency monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency monitoring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the fundamental parameter of frequency assignment from static crystal-based frequencies to dynamic time-varying frequencies. Each device is assigned a unique time-varying frequency pattern that automatically prevents interference without requiring frequency monitoring or assignment protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency assignment system is self-configuring and automatically prevents interference between devices without requiring external frequency monitoring or manual assignment. Each device independently generates and follows its assigned time-varying frequency pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If conventional radio transmission is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but signal reliability deteriorates due to multipath fading and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsignal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the transmission approach by using time-varying frequency parameters instead of static frequencies. This change eliminates multipath fading and interference while maintaining operational simplicity, as users continue to operate devices normally without adjusting any parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary frequency allocation mechanism that mediates between multiple devices operating in the same geographical area. The time-varying frequency patterns act as intermediaries that prevent direct interference while allowing simultaneous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If frequency crystals are used for each device, then signal assignment is precise, but cost increases due to expensive crystals and monitoring equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency assignment precisionVSAvoidcost of crystals and monitoring equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces expensive frequency crystals with inexpensive software-based time-varying frequency assignments. The 'frequency assignment' becomes a temporary, software-defined parameter rather than a permanent physical component, dramatically reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical crystal-based frequency assignment system with an electronic/software-based time-varying frequency system. This replacement eliminates the need for physical crystals and associated monitoring hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If frequency assignment is performed before operation, then interference is prevented, but time is lost during frequency assignment and monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference preventionVSAvoidtime for frequency assignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary frequency pattern assignment during device initialization or manufacturing, storing the unique time-varying frequency pattern in each device's memory. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time frequency assignment or monitoring during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each device independently generates and follows its pre-assigned time-varying frequency pattern without requiring external frequency assignment or monitoring services, eliminating time losses associated with frequency management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7391320B1Method and system for controlling radio controlled devices

Publication Date: 2008.06.24 HORIZON HOBBY LLC

AI summary

The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.